Gun Felons and Gun Regulation

Abstract

Many states have recently adopted “shall-issue” gun laws making it is easier for applicants to receive permits for carrying concealed weapons. The policy shift is based on assumptions regarding criminal behavior and positive consequences of the change (e.g., reducing crime). Because Colorado had enacted a shall-issue law recently, the authors interviewed a sample of violent offenders there regarding their views on this policy change. Although some supported the new law, the majority were opposed. Reasons inmates viewed the law positively include arguments that it would deter crime and help protect people. Reasons inmates viewed the law negatively focused mostly on increased crime while also mentioning other objections such as more gang members (especially those without previous felony convictions) possessing guns, and the possible negative interaction of more guns and alcohol/drug use and mental states. The behavioral and policy implications of the findings are discussed.